Referrals to the program can be made through self referral, probation, law enforcement, hospitals, schools and other community agencies and professionals. For more information or to make a referral, please contact Merakey at 845-561-1038

Family Assessment Response

Orange County DSS has implemented a new approach to investigating some child neglect reports made to the NY state Central Registry. This approach is called a Family Assessment Response. A Family Assessment Response helps ensure that children are safe, while at the same time setting aside the issue of fault and negative labels for parent and caretakers.

It focuses on the families' strengths and needs and the resources in the community. There will be no decision about whether a report is "indicated" or "unfounded" but rather, services will be arranged, for the family, if needed. All reports of abuse and those reports with serious neglect allegations will continue to receive a traditional CPS investigation.